Columbus Man Convicted of Trafficking Meth, Cocaine, and Marijuana in Multi-State Drug Scheme

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A repeat offender attempting to dominate the illicit drug market in Columbus has been found guilty by a federal jury following a multi-agency investigation.

Marquez Holloway, 32, also known as “Glizzy,” was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 50 kilograms of marijuana. The verdict follows a two-day trial that began on December 1 before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Holloway faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 24, 2026. There is no parole in the federal system.

Federal authorities say Holloway obtained large quantities of high-grade marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine from California and attempted to expand his control over the local drug market in Columbus. Between September and December 2023, Holloway acquired at least 110 pounds of marijuana for distribution. Court documents also indicate he obtained a kilogram of cocaine and sought methamphetamine for resale. Holloway has a prior state conviction in Georgia for drug trafficking.

U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes highlighted the threat posed by criminal organizations, saying, “Illegal drugs pouring into our communities from dangerous cartels pose a serious threat to the safety of our nation…we stand shoulder to shoulder with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations and hold their associates accountable.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown emphasized the community impact, stating, “Illicit drugs devastate our communities, resulting in significant suffering by those addicted and their families…we will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to prevent this poison from finding its way onto our streets.”

Rob Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, called the conviction a warning to other criminals: “This repeat offender’s actions show a deliberate attempt to seize control of an illicit drug market and expand the harm these substances inflict on our communities. DEA will not allow individuals like this to profit from addiction and violence.”

Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said, “There is strength in collaboration when we combine our resources to go after criminal enterprises involving street gangs, drug dealers, and convicted felons. We will continue this fight for safer streets and a safer community.”

The investigation, named Operation Sweet Silence, ran from August 2022 to May 2024 and focused on the illegal activities of the Zohannon criminal street gang, with Holloway operating independently to traffic drugs into Columbus. The case was conducted as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting criminal organizations and cartels.

The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, and Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, with support from several other law enforcement agencies across Georgia, Alabama, and California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis and Trial Attorney Matthew P. Mattis prosecuted the case.